Tag: Arkansas Razorbacks baseball

The SEC historically dominates the NCAA Baseball Tournament field

The SEC has once again dominated the NCAA Tournament field with record numbers

On Monday, 64 college baseball teams heard their names called. The NCAA Tournament field is now set, and 16 regional hosts are granted home-field advantage for the first round of play. A record 11 SEC programs earned a bid to compete for the title.

For those who are die-hard college baseball fans, the fact that the SEC will hose five of the 16 regional sites isn’t too surprising after the season the conference produced led Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas A&M, who earned the first three overall seeds in that order. This is the first time in the tournament that the first three seeds are from the same conference!

Following their conference counterparts, Arkansas and Georgia earned the five and seven seeds. Bulldogs power hitter Charlie Condon led the country in batting average (.443) and home runs with 35 on the year. In contrast, Razorbacks star pitcher Hagen Smith led the nation in ERA with a highly impressive 1.48 mark.

Outside of the five conference hosts, LSU will compete in the Chapel Hill Regional after almost winning the SEC Tournament in a close loss to the Volunteers. The Tigers are still riding the momentum train after almost missing the tournament just a year after winning the whole thing in 2023.

Here are where the remaining SEC programs will face off this week:

  • Vanderbilt vs. Coastal Carolina (Clemson Regional)
  • Alabama vs. UCF (Tallahassee Regional)
  • South Carolina vs. James Madison (Raleigh Regional)
  • Florida vs. Nebraska (Stillwater Regional)
  • Mississippi State vs. St. Johns (Charlottesville Regional)

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M baseball rises in newest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Ahead of the SEC Tournament next week, Texas A&M has risen in the newest USA Today Sports Coaches Poll

Texas A&M (44-11, 19-11 SEC) finished the regular season strong after losing two consecutive conference series against LSU and Ole Miss, but rebounded last weekend in impressive fashion against the visiting Arkansas Razorbacks, winning the series including a 14-4 run-rule victory in Game 3.

The SEC Tournament will begin on Tuesday. The Aggies are a 4-seed with a double-bye and will play on Wednesday night, facing off against either 5-seed Mississippi State or 12-seed Ole Miss. Familiar with both teams, the competition only heightens no matter the seeding.

As the NCAA Tournament draws near, the USA Today Sports Coaches Poll witnessed some significant changes in the Top 5 rankings. The Aggies made a notable climb, moving up one spot to No. 3. Arkansas, on the other hand, experienced a slight dip, falling two spots to No. 4. Kentucky also saw a rise, moving up one spot to No. 2, just behind the No. 1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

However, Wake Forest represented the most significant decline, dropping from 9th to 19th after a series loss to NC State to finish out the regular season.

Here is the complete list.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

No. 4 Texas A&M baseball run-rules No. 2 Arkansas to win final regular season series

Texas A&M’s offense explodes for 14 runs, run-ruling Arkansas 14-4 to win the season series

Entering the weekend, Texas A&M’s (44-11, 19-11 SEC) goal was an SEC West title, which would have come to fruition with a sweep against the division-leading Arkansas Razorbacks (32-12, 20-10 SEC), who were just one win away from securing the crown.

After defeating the visitors in Thursday’s elite pitching duo at Ted Burton’s walk-off walk in the bottom of the 11th inning, Arkansas responded on Friday with a late 6-3 victory to earn what is the last division crown in the SEC as the conference will eliminate the East and West starting next season.

For the Aggies, winning the series was all that mattered now, and the offense responded accordingly, hitting .441, including four home runs and seven walks with only six strikeouts on the afternoon, as Hayden Schott led the day with a 3-3 performance at the plate.

Exploding in the sixth and seventh, Texas A&M netted nine runs as freshman Gavin Grahovic recorded his 19th home run of the year. At the same time, Braden Montgomery’s lead-taking homer early in the game was a good sign heading into postseason play.

On the mound, Shane Sdao was solid for the most part but gave up four runs, three of which came off a game-tying home run in one of his rare starts. In relief, Chris Cortez (8-2) was stellar on the bump, striking out eight. Together with Zane Badmaev, Arkansas failed to score another run after said home run.

To end the game in yet another run rule for the Maroon & White, senior Ryan Tagac, who had moved down the depth chart and had been serving in coaching rule throughout the season, was given the nod to take what could be his final collegiate at-bat, pinch-hitting for Ted Burton in the seventh frame.

Leading 13-4, Targac delivered with an RBI single to left center, as the Aggie, as Blue Bell Park roared his name in the process.

With the win, Texas A&M has solidified a four-seed in the SEC Tournament, which guarantees a first-round bye. Next Wednesday, it will play the winner of the five-vs.-twelve-seed match.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

‘Years off my life,’ Texas A&M senior 1B Ted Burton recalls walk-off vs. No. 2 Arkansas

Texas A&M 1B Ted Burton’s critical at bat helped the Aggies earn the first win the their final regular season series vs. Arkansas.

The No. 4 Texas A&M baseball team walked off with a 1-0 extra innings win on Thursday night at Blue Bell Park thanks to an emphatic walk by graduate student first baseman Ted Burton.

With two outs in the 11th frame, No. 2 Arkansas gave a free pass to senior catcher Jackson Appel but the joke was on them as Burton drew a walk as well to score the go-ahead run in a pitchers’ duel. After the game, Burton spoke to the media.

“That game took years off my life, for the better or the good,” Burton said postgame. “Hats off to guys like Ryan and Aschenbeck, they kept us in the game. We thought the best way to beat the best pitcher that we’ve seen all year was to pitch with him and that’s exactly what they did. They picked us up in the field and did everything right. I’m just grateful for those guys.”

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

‘Crowd was elite,’ Ryan Prager boasts about 12th Man after win vs. No. 2 Arkansas

“I thought the crowd was elite and that might even be an understatement. I don’t know if I can say enough good words about them tonight.”

The No. 4 Texas A&M baseball team was able to defeat No. 2 Arkansas 1-0 on Thursday night in an 11-inning pitchers’ duel thanks to sophomore Ryan Prager.

The left-handed star may have earned a no-decision but he kept the Aggies in the game. Prager pitched 7.0 scoreless frames and allowed 5 hits and 1 walk with 9 strikeouts on 101 pitches. After the win, he spoke to the media.

“It felt normal like another game. The outside noise is what it is. I thought it was great, one, that we got the game in first,” Prager recalled. “Then second, I thought for the weather and everything, we were all sitting here at 5 o’clock not knowing what the crowd was going to look like. People were probably going to be at home just watching from their couch.

“I thought the crowd was elite and that might even be an understatement. I don’t know if I can say enough good words about them tonight because normally I can’t really hear them or tell when I’m on the mound. But in the first I could tell they were with me all night long and they were with this team all night long through the last pitch.”

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

’12th Man played a huge role,’ Jim Schlossnagle reflects on walk-off win vs. No. 2 Arkansas

“Teddy put together a really professional at-bat like an older player. I think the 12th Man played a huge role, there’s no doubt about it.”

It took 11 innings Thursday night at Blue Bell Park but the No. 4 Texas A&M baseball team walked off against No. 2 Arkansas with a 1-0 win in an SEC pitchers’ duel.

“That’s a lot of pitchers that are going to pitch for a long time. (Hagen) Smith, I was trying to remember a lefty I’ve seen that starts with that kind of arm. I can’t remember one in 35 years,” Aggies coach Jim Schlossnagle said postgame. “But Prager was in his own way just as good. We made some nice plays behind him and played really well in the outfield. Jace made a couple big plays, Sorrell made a big one. We have two really good teams and elite pitching, wow!

“(Will) McEntire has been a really huge part of their team and I’m sure we’ll see him again this weekend. He’s very trusted. I thought Teddy put together a really professional at-bat like an older player. It was awesome.

“I think the 12th Man played a huge role, there’s no doubt about it.”

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Hudson White’s go-ahead homer leads No. 2 Arkansas baseball team past No. 4 Texas A&M

Arkansas junior catcher Hudson White hit a go-ahead 3-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to defeat the Aggies 6-3 on Friday night.

Thanks to a 3-run home run from Arkansas junior catcher Hudson White in the top of the eighth inning, the Texas A&M baseball team was doubled up by its rival to even the three-game set.

The No. 4 Aggies (43-11, 18-11 SEC) lost 6-3 against the No. 2 Razorbacks (43-11, 20-9) on Friday night at Blue Bell Park. With a walk-off walk by senior first baseman Ted Burton in the bottom of the 11th inning, Texas A&M won 1-0 in a pitchers’ duel Thursday evening.

With 2 runs in the first frame of Game 2, the Aggies appeared poised to seize the series victory. The Razorbacks responded with a single run in the second and third innings to tie the game.

Texas A&M reclaimed the advantage with 1 run in the bottom half of the third. Arkansas evened the score again with 1 in the sixth. Then White put the Razorbacks ahead for good with a go-ahead homer.

The Aggies will attempt to win the series in the regular season finale Saturday at 2 p.m.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

No. 4 Texas A&M baseball team defeats No. 2 Arkansas in 11-inning SEC pitchers’ duel

Amid a torrential downpour in College Station, the Aggies were able to begin their final regular season series following a 90 minute delay.

Amid a torrential downpour in College Station, the Texas A&M baseball team was finally able to begin its final regular season set following a 90 minute rain delay this week.

The No. 4 Aggies (43-10, 18-10 SEC) defeated No. 2 Arkansas (42-11, 19-9) by a final score of 1-0 in 11 innings on Thursday night at Blue Bell Park. Texas A&M ended the Top 5 SEC series opener with an emphatic walk-off walk by senior first baseman Ted Burton with the bases loaded.

Redshirt sophomore left-handed pitcher Ryan Prager had another brilliant performance on the bump. He pitched 7.0 scoreless frames and allowed 5 hits and 1 walk with 9 strikeouts on 101 pitches. Senior LHP Evan Aschenbeck (4-1) picked up the victory after tossing the final 4.0 innings while giving up 4 hits with 4 Ks on 46 pitches.

The Razorbacks out-hit the Aggies 9-5. Arkansas stranded twice as many base runners, 10-5. Texas A&M drew more walks, 3-1.

Game 2 at Olsen Field is on Friday evening at 7 p.m. The regular season finale is Saturday at 2 p.m.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Game 1 of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas will be played on Thursday night

Game 1 of Texas A&M vs. Arkansas will begin at 8:30 p.m CT.

Due to inclement weather in the College Station/Bryan, Texas area, Texas A&M baseball’s Game 1 vs. Arkansas Razorbacks will not be delayed till Friday, as the tarps are off the field, and the Aggies are set to begin play at 8:32 p.m. CT on ESPN 2.

Ranked as the No. 4 team in the country, Texas A&M (42-10, 17-10 SEC) lost its second consecutive SEC series last weekend after falling to the Ole Miss Rebels in the first two games, salvaging the series with a decisive Game 3 6-0 shutout.

Serving as the lone bright spot on the weekend, sophomore lefty Shane Sdao made his first start of the season on Sunday. He set career highs in strikeouts (7) and hits allowed (3) while earning Co-SEC Player of the Week honors this week. Due to his performance, Sdao has earned a starting spot in Game 2 this weekend.

This series is big for both programs. Arkansas (42-10, 19-8) needs one win to secure the SEC West title, while the Aggies need the sweep to take the top spot.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M expands Blue Bell Park capacity ahead of SEC matchup vs. No. 2 Arkansas

With a Top 5 matchup set to take place this weekend, the Aggies have expanded the capacity for fans to attend the series at Blue Bell Park.

With a pivotal Top 5 matchup set to take place this weekend, Texas A&M has expanded the capacity for the upcoming series at Blue Bell Park.

The No. 4 Aggies will host No. 2 Arkansas to conclude the regular season. Texas A&M desperately needs a boost of momentum after losing its last two sets on the road at LSU and Ole Miss, respectively.

Section 12 at Olsen Field has been revamped ahead of the series versus the Razorbacks. Bleachers have been placed in left center field to add about 250 more seats to the ballpark. General admission seats for that area will be sold at the box office on game day, two hours prior to first pitch. Presales for the lawn, general admission and standing room only have closed.

Weather permitting, the Aggies begin the three-game set Thursday evening at 7 p.m. According to Ryan Brauninger of TexAgs, if the series opener is postponed, a doubleheader would be scheduled for Friday, meaning Texas A&M would have its third conference double-dip in a span of five weeks.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.